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How A Drug Ban Almost Led To Kagiso Rabada Missing Out On Playing In WTC Final Vs AUS

Anurag Dasgupta

Drug ban which almost costed Rabada [Source: AP Photo] Drug ban which almost costed Rabada [Source: AP Photo]

South African pacer, Kagiso Rabada showed his class in the first innings of the World Test Championship (WTC) final Vs Australia and wreaked havoc to scalp a sensational five-wicket haul at the Lord's Cricket Ground. This was his second-fifer at the venue as the Proteas seamer looked at his imperial best.

He made the Aussie batters dance to his tunes, and had a particular liking towards Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green, dismissing them twice in two innings. However, none of it would have been possible and Rabada would have missed the WTC final, if not for his one smart decision.

The decision which changed Rabada and South Africa's fortunes

The 29-year-old was under provisional suspension since April 1 after testing positive for a recreational drug following a South African domestic T20 match. Rabada accepted his fault and served a one-month ban from the game.

"As per the South African anti-doping rules specifically pertaining to a Substances of Abuse, the player was offered an opportunity to complete a substance abuse treatment program. After Mr Rabada satisfactorily completed two sessions of his treatment program, his provisional suspension ended."

Interestingly, Kagiso Rabada faced a three-month ban had he opted not to take the treatment program. However, since he undertook it, the pacer was cleared to play in the WTC finals against the Aussies. Due to this decision, the South African seamer only served a one-,month ban, instead of 3 and hence, was able to play Vs the Kangaroos.

Which drug did Rabada take?

As per South African publication, Rapport, the pacer was tested positive for Cocaine. He reportedly used the substance during the SA20 competition, a premium franchise tournament in the Rainbow nation.

As a result, he also missed more than half of the IPL matches for his franchise, the Gujarat Titans.